Argentina Merval index to shrink to 28 companies in Q2

BUENOS AIRES, March 28 (Reuters) - Argentina's benchmarkMerval stock index will shrink to 28 component companiesin the second quarter, down from 31 in the first quarter,exchange operator Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos said onWednesday.

The companies joining the index are brokerage GrupoFinanciero Valores, cable and internet operatorCablevision, cement producer Loma Negra andenergy distributor Metrogas.

The index leavers are technology firm Boldt, realestate company Consultatio, fruit producer San Miguel, electricity generator Central Costanera,highway operator Autopistas del Sol, constructioncompany Concesionario Oeste and bank Banco Hipotecario.

(Reporting by Jorge OtaolaWriting by Luc Cohen;Editing by Sandra Maler)